NCJ Number
70471
Date Published
1976
Length
94 pages
Annotation
This study examined whether there was difference in the self concept and meaning and value of work of the incarcerated males in rehabilitation programs.
Abstract
Subjects were inmates ranging in age from 17 to 25 years who were randomly selected from 3 different rehabilitation programs at a reformatory in Missouri. The rehabilitation programs were full-time work assignment, academic education, and vocational education. The inmates were given the Tennessee Self Concept Scale (TSCS) and the Meaning and Value of Work Scale (MJWS). Demographic data were also obtained. Analysis of the tests revealed that there was a correlation between the dependent variables of self concept, meaning of work, and value of work. Incarcerated males serving sentences from 2 to 5 years and participating in one of the 3 rehabilitation programs did not differ significantly in their perceptions of self concept and meaning and value of work. Black and white subjects did differ significantly in their perception of the self concept, and whites had higher mean scores on the meaning and value of work than blacks. Inmates serving more than 12 months has a more intrinsic work value orientation than those serving less than 12 months. Inmates with educational backgrounds of 8 to 12 years had the greatest intrinsic work value orientation. Suggested recommendations were: prison authorities should familiarize themselves with the demographic and ethnic backgrounds of inmates; educational background of inmates should also be given special attention by prison officials in counseling situations; length of time served and self concept of inmates should be investigated further. Tabular data, footnotes, approximately 90 references, and 2 appendixes of test scales are included.